Liberal Reforms 1906-14

One government that is often seen as an example of 'reforming' by introducing positive changes that really improve peoples' lives is the Liberal government in Britain of 1906-1914. Many historians label this period the beginning of the welfare state. When they came into power in 1906, after they won the election with what is commonly referred to as the Liberal Landside, the Liberal Government under Henry Campbell-Bannerman introduced social reforms.

Act

What it meant

Impact

Education (provision of meals) Act 1906

It allowed local authorities to provide free school meals to needy children. Interestingly it was originally a Labour Members of Parliament private members’ bill

· Raised debate of state responsibility for welfare of nation

· Passing of bill meant significant advance in role of state

· Gave poor children chance of one hot meal per day

· By 1914 14 million meals were provided for 158,000 children

Education (administrative procedures) Act 1907

Required medical inspection of children and permitted medical treatment

· By 1914 most local authorities were providing children with some medical treatment